Integrated retractable pocket

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards an integrated retractable pocket for maintaining a personal item. The integrated retractable pocket according to one embodiment comprises a first pocket affixed to a garment and a second pocket disposed of within the first pocket, the second pocket sized to accommodate the personal item. A tether is affixed to a first edge of the second pocket and the first pocket so as to attach the second pocket to the first pocket when the second pocket is removed from the first pocket.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The inventions described herein generally relate to items of clothing, bags, etc. with integrated pockets for storing personal items. More specifically, inventions disclosed and described herein relate to an integrated retractable pocket affixed to a garment that may surreptitiously maintain a personal item on the body of the wearer when not withdrawn to gain access to the personal item contained within.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals who engage in physical activities, which may or may not require additional exercise equipment, are faced with a common problem of trying to find a convenient and secure ways to carry small essential items. Essential items include personal items that an individual may perceive as a necessity to bring with him or her while participating in activities that require various levels of physical exertion.

As presently known to the art, Individuals only have a limited number of options available to hold personal items. For example, an individual may insert personal items into a standard pocket with no compression. This unfortunately is not a secure solution for the transportation of personal item, which can shift as the user exerts himself or herself, thereby causing a muscle and weight imbalance. Still further, an individual may choose to use a compression pocket fixed to another garment that compresses against the muscles of the individual. These products often locate personal items in hard to reach locations and are not sufficiently preventative with respect to breaking, e.g., due to the sweat and drop damage potential to which such personal items may be exposed. Finally, an individual may choose to use a belt to store personal items. Oftentimes, however, these products shift from the position in which they are designed to be located relative to the body of the wearer as such individual physically exert himself or herself. Additionally, the personal items within the belt may bounce during exertion and may be perceived as an aesthetically unappealing accessory.

As an alternative to these modalities, an individual may opt to not store personal items on the body, in a garment, or using an accessory. For example, an individual may choose to hold personal items. This method has the disadvantage of causing muscle and weight imbalance during exertion, as well as leaving personal items susceptible to dropping and sweat damage. Alternatively, a user may choose to leave their items to the side, such as in the space where they are exercising. This does not make personal items easily accessible and, unfortunately, leaves items potentially susceptible to theft.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an integrated retractable pocket that offers individuals a discrete and secure mechanism to store personal items during all forms of physical exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards an integrated retractable pocket for maintaining a personal item. An integrated retractable pocket for maintaining a personal item in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a first pocket affixed to a garment and a second pocket disposed of within the first pocket, the second pocket sized to accommodate the personal item. A tether is affixed to a first edge of the second pocket and the first pocket so as to attach the second pocket to the first pocket when the second pocket is removed or otherwise withdrawn from the first pocket. Besides a garment, embodiments also included within the scope of the invention embodiments in which the first pocket affixed to items other than a garment, e.g., a belt, bag, backpack, fanny pack, etc.

Construction of the first pocket, second pocket, and tether, may make use of various materials, including the use of multiple layers of materials, such as a given pocket, tether, etc., comprising a first material as an outer layer and a second material as an inner layer, e.g., the use of a waterproof later to protect the contents of either the first pocket or the second pocket, the use of a flexible material for the tether, etc.

A zipper may affix the tether to the first edge of the second pocket such that the second pocket may be removed or otherwise disconnected from the tether. The tether, which connects the second pocket to the first pocket, in one embodiment is at least as long as the length of the second pocket. In other embodiments, the tether is longer than the distance from an opening of the first pocket to a waistband of the garment to which the first pocket is affixed. In either embodiment, the tether may be of a sufficient length such that the second pocket can be removed from first pocket clear of the waistband of the garment to which the first pocket is attached, thereby allowing the wearer access to the contents of the second pocket.

The first pocket is affixed to a garment. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the garment is a pair of underwear or similar base layer meant to be worn underneath other layers of clothing, whereby the first pocket is sewn into or otherwise affixed to the underwear or similar base layer. Similarly, the garment may be a pair of outerwear, such as a pair of trousers, sweatpants, etc., whereby the first pocket is sewn into or otherwise affixed to the item of outwear. Regardless of the specific garment to which the first pocket is affixed, the first pocket may be affixed to an outer side of the garment or an inner side of the garment. Typically, where the garment is underwear or a base layer, the first pocket may be affixed to an outer side of the garment. Where the garment is an outerwear layer, the first pocket may be affixed to an inner side of the outerwear layer. As such, the first pocket is disposed between an outer side of a base layer and an inner side of an outerwear layer.

The integrated retractable pocket for maintaining a personal item, which is disposed of between the base layer and outerwear of a person, may further comprise a flap affixed to a second edge of the second pocket. According to one embodiment, a first magnet is affixed to a distal end of the flap that is opposite the end that is affixed to the second edge of the second pocket, whereby a corresponding second magnet is affixed to an outer surface of the first pocket. According to one embodiment, when the second pocket is disposed of within the first pocket that is affixed to a base layer, the flap runs up and over the waistband of an outerwear layer such that the first magnet is in communication with and held securely in place by the second magnet through the outwear layer.

The integrated retractable pocket is sized to maintain a personal item, which may comprise more than one personal item on the basis of the size of the second pocket and the size of the personal items contained therein. For example, the personal item may be a mobile phone whereby the second pocket is of sufficient size to hold the mobile phone. Alternatively, the personal item is a wallet whereby the second pocket is of sufficient size to hold the wallet. Other sizes and geometries of the integrated retractable pocket, including the first pocket and the second pocket, are contemplated as falling within the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, depending on the specific personal item intended for storage in the second pocket.

The second pocket may comprise additional storage capacity beyond maintaining a personal item, such as a mobile phone or wallet. According to certain embodiments, the second pocket comprise one or more slit pockets, whereby a first slit pocket is disposed of on a first side of an outer surface of the second pocket and a second slit pocket is disposed of on a second side of the outer surface of the second pocket. One or more of the slit pockets may comprise a zipper, such as where the first slit pocket comprises a zipper to close the first slit pocket and prevent spilling the contents contained therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B present illustrations providing a perspective view of an integrated retractable pocket affixed to a base layer and worn by an individual, both in a retracted and deployed configurations in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 presents a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket with the second pocket in a retracted position within the first pocket according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 presents a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket with the second pocket in a partially deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 presents a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket with the second pocket in a fully deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

and

FIG. 5 presents a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket with the second pocket in a fully deployed position and detached from the tether according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards an integrated retractable pocket for maintaining a personal item. FIG. 1A presents an illustration providing a perspective view of an integrated retractable pocket affixed to a base layer and worn by an individual in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown by the embodiment of FIG. 1A, a base layer 102, which in the present embodiment is a pair of underwear, has affixed thereto a first pocket 104. The first pocket 104 may be affixed to the base layer 102 in accordance with one or more known techniques, e.g., sewing, gluing, heat bonding, etc. It should also be noted that the first pocket 104 may be affixed to the base layer 102 in a removable manner, e.g., through the use of hook and loop attachments affixed to both the base layer and the first pocket. According to various embodiments, the first pocket may be affixed to an item that is not a garment, e.g., a belt, bag, backpack, fanny pack, etc.

Disposed of within the first pocket 104 is a second pocket (not shown) to which a flap is attached. A distal end of a flap 106 has disposed thereon a magnet 108. According to various embodiments, the magnet 108 is of sufficient strength to maintain an attraction to a corresponding magnet within the first pocket 104, which may be of sufficient strength to maintain an attraction to a corresponding magnet within the first pocket 104 through one of more layers of outerwear that may be worn by an individual on top of a base layer, whereby the magnet 108 may further be adjustable along the length of the flap 106. The individual grasps and pulls on the flap 106 to remove the second pocket from the first pocket 104.

FIG. 1B continues with the embodiment of FIG. 1A by illustrating the second pocket 110 fully deployed from the first pocket 104. According to the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the individual grasps the flap 108 and pulls on the flap 108 in an upwards manner. Pulling on the flap 108 in this manner allows for deployment of the second pocket 110 from the first pocket 104 to access the contents thereof. Advantageously, the second pocket 110 is attached to the first pocket 104 by way of a tether 116, which prevents loss or misplacement of the second pocket 110 subsequent to its deployment. The tether 116 may comprise any material that attaches or otherwise connects the second pocket 110 to the first pocket 104, e.g., a string(s), rope(s), strip(s) of fabric, etc. According to various embodiments, the tether 116 comprises multiple sections or segments whereby an individual may choose the overall length of the tether 116 by combining a desired number of sections or segments.

The second pocket 110 may comprise multiple pockets, such as a flap pocket 112 disposed of on a given face of the second pocket. According to the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the second pocket comprises a flap pocket 112 with a zipper closure 114, although other types and number of pockets may be used in conjunction with the second pocket 110, as well as the absence or inclusion of various closure mechanisms beyond a zipper 114, e.g., connecting or interlocking fasteners, hook and loop, etc. In accordance with the present embodiment, or alternatively, the second pocket may comprise a clear, translucent, semi-opaque, panel through which an individual may view the contents of the flap pocket 112 or second pocket 110. Furthermore, the second pocket 110 may have a clip or other fastening member disposed of in the interior thereof so at to secure a personal item disposed therein.

FIG. 2 presents a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket with the second pocket 208 in a retracted position within the first pocket 206 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the first pocket 206 is formed by affixing a length of fabric 204 against the outer side of a base layer 202, such as a pair of underwear. The length of fabric 204 forming the first pocket 206 against the base layer 202 may comprise multiple layers, such as a first layer and a second layer. In accordance with certain embodiment, the first layer of the length of fabric 204 comprises a microfiber or similar soft-touch fabric, and the second layer of the length of fabric 204 comprises a waterproof fabric to protect the contents of the first pocket 206.

Disposed of within the first pocket 206 is a second pocket 208. According to the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the second pocket 208 comprises a weld 214 that joins a first panel of fabric 210 with a second panel of fabric 212. The panels of fabric 210 and 212 that comprise the second pocket 208 may be made in accordance with various geometries and designs, which may be sized and shaped in accommodate varies types of personal items 216 intended for storage in the second pocket 208. For example, where the second pocket 208 is intended for use a wallet, the panels of fabric 210 and 212 may be sized and shaped to accommodate standard sized credit cards and/or banknotes. Alternatively, where the second pocket 208 is intended for use in holding a mobile phone, the panels of fabric 210 and 212 may be sized and shaped to accommodate mobile phones, e.g., an iPhone.

In addition to holding a personal item 216, the second pocket 208 may have flap pockets affixed to one or more of the panels of fabric 210 and 212. According to one embodiment, the second pocket 208 has a first flap pocket 220 affixed to a first of the fabric panels 210 and a second flap pocket 218 affixed to a second of the fabric panels 212. A given flap pocket 218 and 220 may be open and without any closure mechanism. Alternatively, a given flap pocket 220 may have an enclosure mechanism, such as a zipper 222. When the zipper 222 is in a closed position, the contents of the given flap pocket 220 remain contained within the given flap pocket 220, whereas the contents of the given flap pocket 220 may be accessed when the zipper is in an open position.

In addition to the utilization of one or more flap pockets 218 and 220 in accordance with various configurations, embodiments of the present invention utilize a tether 224 to connect the first pocket 206 to the second pocket 208. By connecting the second pocket 208 to the first pocket 206, the tether 224 prevents the loss of the second pocket 208 by providing a maximum length of deployment for the second pocket 208. For example, according to one embodiment the tether 224 is at least as long as the length of the second pocket 208. According to another embodiment the tether 224 is longer than the distance from an opening of the first pocket 206 to a waistband of the garment to which the first pocket is affixed 202. Other lengths for the tether 224 may be used in accordance with the size of the first pocket 206, size of the second pocket 208, desired length from which to be able to remove the second pocket 208 from the first pocket 206, etc.

When the base layer is worn by an individual, length of fabric 204 forming the first pocket 206 sits against the inside of an outerwear layer 230. As such, a mechanism is required to allow for access to the second pocket 208 without requiring the wearer to reach into his or her outerwear layer to access or otherwise manipulate the first pocket 206. According to one embodiment, the mechanism is a flap 228 whereby the proximate end of the flap 228 is connected to the second pocket 208 and the distal end of the flap 228 is free. Continuing with this embodiment, a magnet 232 is affixed the distal end of the flap and a corresponding magnet 234 is affixed to an outer side of the length of fabric 204 that forms an outer side of the first pocket 206, although the corresponding magnet 234 may be embedded in the length of fabric 204 that forms an outer side of the first pocket 206.

The flap 228 allows for access to and retrieval of the second pocket 208 from within the first pocket. When the magnet 232 affixed to the distal end of the flap 228 and corresponding magnet 234 are disengaged, the wearer may grasp the flap 228, pulling upwards to extract the second pocket 208 and the tether 224 from the first pocket 206, thereby exposing the second pocket 208 and allowing the wearer to access the contents 216 of the second pocket 208. It should be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 2 provides for a zipper 226 to attach the tether 224 to the second pocket 208, whereby the second pocket 208 can be separated from the tether 224 by opening the zipper 226.

FIG. 3 builds on the embodiment first presented in FIG. 2 by illustrating a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket in which the second pocket is a partially deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with FIG. 3 , the flap 302 has been pulled back from the position in which the magnet 304 on the distal end of the flap 302 is engaged with the magnet 306 affixed to the outer side of the length of fabric that forms the outer side of the first pocket 312. As described above, when the magnets 304 and 306 are engaged, the flap 302 is held securely in place against the outerwear layer 308.

Extension of the flap 302 allows for access to and retrieval of the second pocket 310 from within the first pocket 312. When the magnet 304 affixed to the distal end of the flap 302 and corresponding magnet 306 are disengaged, the wearer may grasp the flap 302, pulling upwards to begin extracting the second pocket 310 and the tether 314 from the first pocket 312, thereby exposing the second pocket 310 and allowing the wearer to access the contents of the second pocket 310.

FIG. 4 continues to build on the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 by illustrating a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket with the second pocket in a fully deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the first pocket 402 is disposed against the outer side of a base layer and abutting any outerwear layer 418. The first pocket 402 and the second pocket are attached by way of the tether 404, which in the embodiment of FIG. 4 is in its fully elongated position. As further illustrated, the tether 404 is of a sufficient length such that when in its fully elongated position the end 410 of the tether 404 extends beyond the waistband of the outwear layer 418.

With the tether 404 extended, the second pocket 412 is removed from the first pocket 402 and made available to the wearer when exposed past the waistband of the outwear layer 418. The wearer pulls the tether 404 to its elongated position by pulling the flap 414 that is affixed to the second pocket 412. With the second pocket 412 exposed past the waistband of the outerwear layer 418, the wearer has access to the second pocket 412 and the contents 416 thereof. Similarly, with the second pocket 412 exposed past the waistband of the outerwear layer 418, the wearer has access to a zipper 410 that affixes the tether 404 to the second pocket 412; the opposite end 408 being welded, stitched, or otherwise bonded to the first pocket 402.

FIG. 5 continues to build on the embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 4 by illustrating a cross-section view of an integrated retractable pocket, whereby the second pocket is in a fully deployed position and detached from the tether according to one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the tether 502 is in an extended state, which may be partially or fully extended, as well as partially or fully removed from the first pocket 504.

With the tether 502 extended from the first pocket 504 and exposed beyond the waistband of the outerwear layer 512, the wearer has access to the second pocket 510. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the tether 502 attaches the second pocket 510 to the first pocket 504 by way of a zipper 506. When the zipper 506 is open, the tether may be separated from the second pocket 510, with the opposing track of the zipper 508 remaining on the second pocket 510. With the opposing track 508 separated from the zipper 506, the wearer may remove the second pocket 510 to access the personal item 514 contained therein as well as dispose of the second pocket 510 in another pocket or give the second pocket 510 to another individual.

FIGS. 1 through 5 are conceptual illustrations allowing for an explanation of the present invention. Notably, the figures and examples above are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, as other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not necessarily be limited to other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the relevant art(s) (including the contents of the documents cited and incorporated by reference herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s).

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail could be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but rather should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. An integrated retractable pocket for a personal item, the integrated retractable pocket comprising: a first pocket affixed to a garment; a second pocket removably disposed within the first pocket, the second pocket sized to accommodate the personal item, the second pocket being defined by a first wall and a second wall with an open space formed therebetween; and a tether affixed at a first end to a first edge of the second pocket and at a second end to the first pocket to maintain attachment of the second pocket to the first pocket when the second pocket is removed from the first pocket, wherein the tether is separate and spaced from each of the first wall and the second wall of the second pocket.
 2. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, wherein the garment is a pair of underwear, and the first pocket is affixed to an outer side of the garment.
 3. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, wherein the garment is a pair of trousers, and the first pocket is affixed to an inner side of the garment.
 4. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, comprising a zipper to affix the tether to the first edge of the second pocket.
 5. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, comprising: a flap affixed to a second edge of the second pocket; a first magnet affixed to a distal end of the flap; and a second magnet affixed to an outer surface of the first pocket.
 6. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, wherein the tether is at least as long as the length of the second pocket.
 7. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, wherein the tether is longer than the distance from an opening of the first pocket to a waistband of the garment to which the first pocket is affixed.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, comprising: a first slit pocket on a first side of the second pocket.
 11. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 10, comprising a zipper to close the first slit pocket.
 12. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, wherein the first pocket comprises a waterproof lining.
 13. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, comprising a pull tab affixed to a side of the first pocket not affixed to the garment.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, wherein the first wall and the second wall are joined at a weld and the first end of the tether is attached to the weld.
 16. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 1, wherein the second end of the tether is attached to a top end of the first pocket.
 17. An integrated retractable pocket for a personal item, the integrated retractable pocket comprising: a first pocket affixed to a garment; a second pocket removably disposed within the first pocket, the second pocket sized to accommodate the personal item, the second pocket being defined by a first wall and a second wall that interface at a closed first end of the second pocket with an open space formed therebetween, the second pocket being open at a second end of the second pocket opposite the first end; an elongated tether affixed at a first end to the closed first end of the second pocket and at a second end to the first pocket; and an elongated flap attached at a first end to the second end of the second pocket, the elongated flap having an opposite second end that is a free end accessible for grasping by a user for removing the second pocket from the first pocket.
 18. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 17, wherein a length of the elongated flap is such that in an extended position of the elongated flap, the second end of the elongated flap is located outside of the first and second pockets and a first magnet affixed to the second end of the elongated flap is magnetically coupled to a second magnet that is affixed to an outer surface of the first pocket.
 19. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 17, wherein the elongated flap is only attached to the second pocket and therefore can be located completely outside the first pocket when the second pocket is removed from the first pocket.
 20. The integrated retractable pocket of claim 17, wherein the first end of the tether is detachably attached to the closed first end of the second pocket to permit the second pocket to be entirely separated and detached from the first pocket.
 21. An integrated retractable pocket for a personal item, the integrated retractable pocket comprising: a first pocket affixed to a garment; a second pocket removably disposed within the first pocket, the second pocket sized to accommodate the personal item, the second pocket having a closed bottom edge and an open top edge that defines an entrance into an interior space of the second pocket; an elongated tether detachably affixed to the closed bottom edge of the second pocket along a separable fastener, the elongated tether being fixedly attached at a second end to the first pocket; and an elongated flap attached at a first end to the second pocket, the elongated flap having an opposite second end that is a free end accessible for grasping by a user for removing the second pocket from the first pocket. 